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Franklin Mint test marketed the new generation Corvette C5 in red and black. Though the red version won the poll and will be the model most sold, the black version will be sent to those that initially ordered them. Best estimates from reliable sources, disclose a final production run of about 1550 units.
The replica is reminiscent of the FM 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa, also discontinued, in its many shades of black. Inspector #26 passed my perfect example of the C5. The paint is lustrous, and appears deep. The doors and hood close tight and nearly seamless. The rear compartment cover closes with a snap. Though when opened, the headlights appear silvery, they are accurate to the real car. I am impressed not only by their virtual operation but by the perfect blend into the body work when closed. A lot of us would envy this in some model's door gaps. The Steering is precise, like a 1:1 car, the engine is flawlessly executed right down to the 'Vette emblem under the hood. Inside the drivers door is a feast for your eyes; three tiny stickers from the manufacturer, detailed down to incredible 1:24th. The disc calipers are seen through the wheel spokes, ready to halt the black missile when needed and the tires have Good Year Eagle proudly displayed with the sizes neatly stamped on them. The
suspension is independent! All four wheels are sprung separately as in real life and work perfectly. The rear defroster wires stand out on the rear window and the proper tinting actually shows up on the windshield header. Note, while all subsequent FM C5 models have the tiny CD emerging from the dash, most '97's do not. Also most do not have rear axle half shafts, a malady later corrected on these Corvette replicas.
While I was not the biggest fan of the later Corvette's, FM makes me a fan of this diecast. It is downright beautiful! The issue price is $90. DISCONTINUED 1999. (06/23/1999)
(06/24/1999)
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